The first Israeli Apache-Longbow pilot flies the aircraft for the first time

Major A., a pilot from the IAFFlightTestsCenter becomes the first Israeli Apache-Longbow pilot, months before the arrival of the Apache-Longbow attack helicopter. Major A enjoyed the opportunity of sitting in the new aircraft’s cockpit and evaluate it’s systems and performance as part of a series of tests performed at the “Boeing” company factories in the United States. A “Boeing” test pilot was also present in the helicopter during the two hour long flight.

The Apache-Longbow acquisition deal was divided into several steps. In the first step, an Israeli Apache attack helicopter was converted to the Longbow configuration, as used by the American Air Force, at a “Boeing” factory. The aircraft was then sent to undergo battery of tests and inspections after which it was returned to “Boeing”. Next, the plane was to be fitted with unique Israeli systems and transformed to the Israeli avionics configuration.